The Long Road Home

I returned to my home... my old stomping grounds today – Marinette WI and Menominee MI – where I had my first newspaper job out of college. Over the years, I've been back several times. But the last time I was there it was last fall for the unexpected death and funeral of my friend and former co-worker Cindy. 

Today I was there to take senior photos of her granddaughter Madison – daughter of Sara, who I've known since she was 7.

A bittersweet day in that respect. But so good to see these amazing young women again! Cindy would be so proud.

We went up to Henes Park in Menominee and then along historic 1st Street where I have a ton of memories since our newspaper office was there (and where I got hit by a car).

Also, over the years, I considered this MY lighthouse! So it was cool to be on the Menominee Pier again. Lighthouse hair, don't care!

Also got to see my and Cindy's friend and former co-worker Sally and one of her grandchildren. My heart is full! We are all still grieving but finding joy in family – and friendship – moments.

Naturally I waited until my 2 1/2 hour drive home to feel the storm of emotions – as I headed into the first of two storms on the way back to Rapids. I think this post today from my friend Gene says it best...

As tears stream down my face as I type this, I realize yes, I am so lucky. Not only for Cindy's friendship, but the next generation and generation after that of friendship, family, and love!

Treasure your friends, folks!! 

Turn Back the Clocks -- If Only

Fitting that we turn back the clocks tonight when I've been trying to turn back time all day.

Drove up to Marinette this morning for my friend Cindy's memorial service. Saw this sign as soon as I walked into the funeral home. Spot on. That's what's been going through my mind all week – treasured memories of a friendship I treasured.

Not gonna lie. It was a tough day. While it was great to see her family and my friend Sally, it was heartbreaking knowing the reason. Definitely had some body-shaking sobs left in me. That's where good hugs get you! But it feels good when someone's there to hold you up. 

At least there were some laughs in there. It was a celebration of life, after all. And what Cin would've wanted...

What a perfectly selected poem for her. We'll work on that.

After the service and my goodbyes, I went by the old newspaper office where Cindy and I first met 32 years ago. The Menominee newspaper merged with Marinette's five or so years later. So now our old office building is just a retail space of some sort.

But it holds a ton of memories, including getting hit by a car while sitting outside on a bench in front. They don't have a bench there anymore! I'm pretty sure I've shared this story before. If not, I will on a different day. But that's the time I saved Cindy's life by pushing her out of the way and taking the hit. Guess we were bonded for life after that.

Swung by my lighthouse down the street. It was cold and rainy and windy so I didn't walk all the way out. Plus I needed to get back to Rapids for a wedding for the son of hubby's cousin.

I texted Jim: "If I go straight there, I'll be late. If I stop home first to see how you're doing, I'll be really late." Even though he was on his own all day, he was fine with letting me bypass the house. Despite a super windy drive back and an unexpected detour thanks to an accident, I did manage to sit down at The Ridges in time to eat dinner with my family. Missed the wedding ceremony but was able to visit with my in-laws, nephew and his family, and plenty of other relatives on the Austin side.

It sort of brought the day full circle as far as emotions go. Quite the rollercoaster. But I'm grateful each segment of that full circle included love and at least a little laughter.

Treasure your loved ones! 

Road Worthy

Woke up and decided to take a 336.2-mile round-trip road trip. I mean, why not? Gas is cheap, right? Honestly, although a graduation party was on my calendar for quite sometime now, I was waffling on my decision to go. Since hubby had a previous golf engagement, did I want to drive to Marinette by myself – almost 3 hours each way to spend an hour in between? And with these horrendous gas prices?

When I woke up this morning, I decided yup. These friends are worth more than the price of gas! If I didn't go and something happened to one of them, I'd regret it forever.

And it was the best decision! So very, very glad I went. I needed hugs from these almost-lifelong friends. Three decades and counting. Cindy (left), Sally and I had worked together at the daily newspaper in Menominee – my first job out of college! Cindy and her family took me into their fold and they literally were my family when I lived in Marinette – since driving home to Luck was a 6-7-hour drive so I missed some holidays. Love both these "girls" so much!

Cindy's daughter Sara was 7 when I first met her. Now she's the mother of the graduate! I've got to see her grow from a little girl to a strong young woman to an amazing mother of two!

And I've known her brother since he was born. Love my little Jacob! He's gonna be 30 this summer so yeah, somebody here is getting old!

After much-treasured hugs and visiting (3+ hours not 1), I hit the road. But not before touring around some of my old stomping grounds. Mainly the Lake Michigan waterfront wrapping around Marinette and Menominee.

This car breaks for beaked-creature pictures!

Looking across the waters of Green Bay you can see Door County in the distance! I loved that when living up there.

And I had to stop and see my lighthouse. Yes, MINE!

The memories here are classified, sorry.

Don't miss the gulls though. Their poop, that is!

Slams on brakes midair.

Dives for something.

No sure what because he surfaced empty-handed and empty-mouthed as far as I could tell.

Watching the boats – and occasionally riding one – never got old. And still doesn't.

New (to me) statue in Menominee.

And a Robyn-sized lighthouse replica that I couldn't lift to take home in my car. It wouldn't have fit!

Driving back into Wisconsin, I just felt so blessed and grateful that I decided to make the trip. These people were my family for 4 years and still are. 

My advice: Always take the trip. Make the time. See that person. Get that hug. Always!

Anyone Sell Time in a Bottle?

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day
'Til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

– "Time in a Bottle" (Jim Croce)

I was reminded today of two Carter milestones that will make me an emotional wreck: Graduation Day and Wedding Day.

No rush, please.

If anyone knows of a place I can buy some time in a bottle, let me know. Those two days will be here before I know it. Uff da.

Case in point No. 1 – my "adopted daughter" Brittney. Wasn't it just yesterday I bragged up the fact she was a freshman starting on the varsity hoops team? She was my "daughter" fix for every sport season and now I will never see her play as a Lady Royal again.

This morning's graduation ceremony at Assumption was very nice. Am I the only one who gets a lump in their throat when they play Pomp and Circumstance? I just envision Carter marching in and I fall to pieces. "24 months, Mom!" he reminds me.

Slow down, kid. Time is going fast enough as it is.

Case in point No. 2 – my "adopted sisters" Sally and Cindy. Our friendship has lasted two dozen years already! Where did that time go?

My first job out of college in 1990 I worked with these two at the newspaper in Menominee, Mich. They were my family. When I left there in 1994, Sally had only two boys of her three. Today, her middle son got married. Again, where did that time go?

When our kids were younger, we made a point of getting together during one of the summer weekends – either Memorial Day, July Fourth or Labor Day. We made sure it was a weekend we had our big boys, Casey and Clay. Between the three of us "girls", we had 7 boys. And boy did that get crazy. And they had a ball.

Now with Sally's third son graduating this week, too, Carter is the only one left in high school. Did we just see lives pass before our eyes??

After graduation today, we drove up to Menominee for the wedding reception. It was important to be there for a happy occasion since the last trip up was for a funeral. We need happy times to laugh – and only cry because we are emotional mothers!

So great to see those two and the rest of my "family" up there. I told the groom, "I've known your mom longer than YOU have!"

While I can't stop time and save it in a bottle, I sure have an overflowing amount of memories stored in my mind (and in some scrapbooks).

We'll just treasure our time together now – like I'll have to do with my baby while I still have him.

Still, it sure would be nice to slow it down a bit...

Extended Family

I was 3 months out of college when I landed my first "real" newspaper job at a daily in Menominee, Mich. Sounds like it's far away, but I lived in Marinette, Wis., and merely had to cross a bridge to get into the other city and state.

However, I was about 6 hours from home and didn't know a soul.

I quickly befriended two co-workers, Cindy and Sally, and had no idea at the time they would be friends -- make that family -- for life. Since I was so far from my own family, Cindy took me under her wing and brought me home to her family gatherings in town. There were 10 grown kids in her family, so what's one more?

For my nearly 4 years living there, her mom -- who let me call her "Mom" -- graciously fed me several Thanksgiving and Easter meals, plus a few extras during family gatherings. I got to know each and every member, often reminded of my own family of 8 grown children, and they quickly became my "extended family." My family away from family. My home away from home. They were in my heart to stay.

Flash forward some 20-plus years, and the 3 of us girlfriends for life are still in touch, as best we can be, and still see each other for weddings, graduations and, unfortunately, funerals.

When I learned of Cindy's mom -- my "mom" -- passing away this weekend, I knew without hesitation I needed to get to the that funeral. This was my family and I needed to offer whatever comfort I could -- even in the form of a simple hug.

I worked some extra time the last two days to enable me to get off today and drive up there. Basically, we drove to Iola, I dropped Jim off at work and I continued on to Menominee -- exactly two hours away from our office.

Despite the sad circumstances, it was so good to see everyone again. These little kids that Cindy's siblings had "way back when" now are grown up with kids of their own. How is that they are getting older and we aren't?? Had a nice catching-up visit with both Cindy and Sally and admired the nice service for Mom. A very personal celebration of her life and faith and love for family.

I think that's why I latched on to that wonderful family. To them -- as in my own -- family is important. Spending time together is important. Being there for each other is important. So Cindy (center) is stuck with two shorter "sisters" for life! I don't think she minds. It's been 23 years and they haven't kicked me out of the family yet!

And even though "Mom" isn't around any more, she wouldn't let them!

After the funeral and luncheon, I drove through my old stomping grounds for a bit before heading back to Iola. For sure I knew I had to swing in and say hello to MY lighthouse.

It was very peaceful just to sit on the shore of Green Bay and look at it while offering up some prayers. Prayers of comfort for my extended family and prayers of joy that "Mom" can now join, among others, her husband and her son-in-law (Cindy's husband Rory), who I was blessed to know and love, too.

I love family. All of mine.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me.

Mountain Madness

I've become obsessed with the weather in Ontonagon, Mich., these days. I know that's close to the Porcupine Mountains so I am torturing myself wondering how Carter is handling each and every little thing.

Yes, I miss my baby!

It's so weird not having any contact at all with him. Even a brief call to say he did "nothing" would be better than nothing. But I understand the rules about not letting them bring any electronics with them. That would only distract them from their time with nature, each other and God.

So I'll just pray for his safety and leave the rest up to God.

Of course, seeing that there is a 70 percent chance of rain tonight and a 100 percent chance of heavy thunderstorms tomorrow has me a bit concerned.

Yes, I packed a rain jacket but now I wonder if he'll be warm enough. Funny, when yesterday and today I wondered if he'd be too hot! Did we pack the right stuff? Oh boy. I guess it's all part of the adventure!

As long as the only mother he blames is Mother Nature!

Happy Trails!

Today was the big sendoff for Carter and 6 other high-schoolers from our church who are going backpacking and camping in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains this week.

Actually it wasn't that big of a sendoff. Trust me, after how stressful and time-consuming packing seemed to be (for me!), I was glad to see him finally hit the trail.

You know I'm not telling the truth.

I think we had everything he needed and we kept having to pare it down. I couldn't stress enough that every little thing weighed something and would add to the overall weight he'd be carrying on his back this week. I know he's used to carrying a very heavy backpack for school... but he doesn't have to carry that for miles. I think that finally sunk in but we still had to scale back on unnecessary clothes, etc. He did good. He even figured out my Bible weighs a few ounces less than his, so he took mine.

Early this afternoon, he got a ride to church and camp so I got to say goodbye at home. Of course I gave him hugs and kisses and said I'd miss him. And being a typical teenager, he had to torment me and say something like, "Mom, get used to it. In four years I'll be gone for good."

Thank you, dear, just break my heart one tiny piece at a time!

Uff da.

It's like he wants to be sure we won't miss him. Ha. That's just not going to happen. I'll worry that it's too hot for him -- projected highs in the low 80s most of the days, or whether he's safe -- from everything from thunderstorms to wild animals. I'll just worry.

And miss him.

And be grateful he has this awesome opportunity to bond with friends and God's creation. Happy trails, Carter!

We Just Landed

I feel like we've been on a whirlwind tour this weekend. But 959 miles later, we are home safely and just in time to get to bed.

Had a great day today. Will have to write more tomorrow when my eyes are not glazing over -- well they might be worse tomorrow -- but in a nutshell....

Sent Carter off to camp and am missing him like crazy already! I had to go hug his pillow goodnight just to breathe in the scent of him. This is going to be a long week for Momma... no calls, no email, no contact with my baby. I'll have to distract myself with some fun with Daddy!

We had a great trip over to Menominee, Mich. Got to surprise my great old friends Sally and Cindy at the graduation party. And when I say "old" I just mean longevity ... 21 years since we met at the newspaper in Menominee and have stayed connected through a lot of interesting life experiences since then. So very, very, very good to see them and their families!

After we left the party, we saw some of my old haunts -- namely my waterfront beaches and my lighthouse!

Since we were traveling through Green Bay, we stopped to see our friends Scott and Sandy -- the newlyweds -- on the way home. Had a short but nice visit with them.

Got home to a dark, quiet house. Just begging for us to get to bed. I can tell you that alarm clock is going to be the start of one harsh Monday.

But it was soooo worth it!

Old Stomping Grounds

Was back at my old stomping grounds today. Of course, I'm not sure why they call them "stomping grounds." The only stomping I did in Marinette was probably some wicked moves on the dance floor. I know. Let's not go with that visual.

Anyway, not to date myself, but a former co-worker at the newspaper in Menominee (who I've now known for 20 years!) had a graduation party for her son Jake, who was just a toddler when I left the Marinette-Menominee area back in 1994. My how time flies.

Since Carter had 2 tournament games, I had to make the trip alone. That worked out fine. I got to visit with my friend Cindy and her huge family -- who sort of adopted me when I lived there -- and also got to see my friend Sally (another "girl" we worked with) and her family. Just so great to see them all again!

Before I left town, I drove by my old "home" and then cruised over the draw bridge into Michigan so I could get a picture of "my" lighthouse, see my old newspaper office, my old beach and see which bars have closed down since I left town. Purely coincidental, I'm sure.

I drove straight (in a roundabout way) to Stevens Point so I could catch Carter's late game. They lost the early one today in another high-scoring performance, 10-9. Another one-run loss. Dang. Carter did get a nice hit to center field in that one.

Tonight I arrived in the first inning so I did not miss much. I got to see the entire VICTORIOUS game!! Yes, we won one! It was pretty solid, too, 10-6. Unfortunately, we don't advance to the final round tomorrow but at least we ended on a positive note and the kids were fired up. Hopefully, they can carry that momentum into next weekend's tournament!

So it's another late night for us. I really want to go to bed but I haven't been able to locate part of hubby's Father's Day present. I bought something in April or May but can't recall where I hid it. Don't you hate when you hide something so well you can't find it?

I think I'm gonna have to find a different way to make it up to him tomorrow. I guess I could get that haying done. I wonder if I could stomp it instead of cut it. These are my new stomping grounds after all...

Friday the 13th

You know it's going to be an interesting Friday the 13th when the first thing you see in the morning is cat puke on the carpet! Or I could say, my day can only get better, right?

Carter asked me why people are superstitious about Friday the 13th. To be honest, I didn't know. I could have pulled a LeRoy and made something up but instead I Googled it. Now I know why I didn't know.

There is no valid reason in history for a Friday the 13th to be bad luck -- it's just a mix of religious sorts thinking Fridays are bad luck since Christ died that day -- and 13 is unlucky because that's how many were at the Last Supper.

Doesn't seem to apply to modern-day concerns. For me, July 13th has proven to be an unlucky day -- though it was a Tuesday back in 1993 when it happened. That was the day I was hit by a car.

It started out as a normal day in Menominee, Mich. I was a reporter for the Menominee Herald-Leader at the time. Our newspaper deadlined around noon so the typical routine was that after we were done, Cindy and I would sit out on the park bench in front of our office building, where she'd have a smoke and I'd look across the park at the boats on Green Bay or watch the cars go by.

It wasn't uncommon for people to honk or pretend to swerve when they went by, then wave and yell "hello." Cindy knew everyone.

Something was different this day. A car had pulled up to the corner to our right. When it turned left it looked like it was still turning toward us. It took a split second to realize this person wasn't joking around and swerving. This car was coming head on.

Cindy and I stood up in unison and I sort of pushed her to the left. The next thing I know, I am on the ground and the car had taken me -- and the park bench -- out. Our building had huge, huge windows, but thankfully I was thrown into the brick wall between them or I would have gone through. That would have been a mess. The way it was -- I was knocked out of my shoes and my earrings (I always thought that was weird.)

The other weird thing, a miracle really, is that I didn't break any bones. I had a deep-tissue injury to my shoulder so I had to wear a sling for a few weeks. My backside and side were totally black and blue and purple. It was tough getting around awhile (a little bit worse than the day after a kickball tournament).

Later, reading the police report, I discovered the 17-year-old driver had a suspended license and the reason he kept turning was that he was looking in his backseat to be sure his bucket of minnows hadn't spilled. When he faced front and saw he was heading for us, he panicked and hit the gas instead of the brakes.

He had no insurance and neither did his parents. I tried suing for medical expenses but after I moved away, my 44-year-old lawyer died of a heart attack and we never got the case anywhere. Talk about bad luck!

Yes, 13 can be unlucky. I have been forced to make an honest living and go to a monthly back-crackin' appointment. I guess the lucky one is my chiropractor. He sure drives a nice vehicle, thanks to me!